Signage is clearly effective in increasing driver awareness

74% of respondents felt the signs or lights made them watch for koalas. This indicates strong success in raising awareness and prompting more cautious and attentive driving.

Speed reduction was also achieved, though to a lesser extent

Around 63% reported reducing their speed after seeing the lighting or signs.

While not as high as the awareness figure, this is still a substantial behavioral shift and suggests the measures influence not just attention but tangible driver action.

Readability of signage is extremely high

An overwhelming 94% found the signs easy to read.

Among the small group who did not, the main issues included:

• sun glare
• too much wording
• poor sightlines.

Useful insights for fine tuning future Variable Message Board use.

Mixed views on whether lighting improves koala visibility

Responses to whether the lights made it easier to see koalas on the road were more divided:

• 43% said yes
• 27% said no
• 30% were unsure.

This suggests that while lighting clearly boosts general awareness, its direct effectiveness in improving koala detectability is less certain.

Open ended comments reveal mostly positive sentiment

Sentiment breakdown shows that most respondents are supportive or at least constructive about the measures.

Of the 102 people who provided additional comments:

• 37% were positive, many thanking Council or praising the initiative
• 28% were negative, sometimes expressing concerns about cost, lighting impacts, or effectiveness
• 14% were mixed, recognising value but suggesting improvements
• 21% were neutral, often providing factual or observational remarks.

Suggestions for improvement

Respondents showed strong overall support for the intent of the project, paired with suggestions for refinement.

Key themes include:

• Support for the initiative - Some want the trial to continue longer, become permanent, or expand to other hotspots, especially with holiday traffic.
• Lower speed limits & enforcement - Many called for reduced limits (such as 70, 60 or 40 km/h in koala zones), time of day limits, enforcement (cameras, speed checks) and heavy vehicle restrictions.
• Education & community awareness – Recognition that reminders help locals and visitors stay alert to wildlife and that multi pronged approaches are needed.
• Lighting redesign - A number found the Lighting too bright - some night time drivers said the lights could be hazardous and distracting. Constructive fixes included re angling lights toward the road, adding shields, or using different colours/street light placement to reduce glare.
• Use of other measures – Ideas around on road markings, fencing, fauna crossings (tunnels, ladders/bridges) to physically separate wildlife from traffic and the value of static signage.

Common themes among negative responses included:

• Koala visibility/presence skepticism - A small number questioned koala presence or visibility, saying they rarely/never see koalas in the area.
• Waste of money / wrong priority - Arguing funds should go to road maintenance/potholes or other priorities.

Byron Shire Council is unlikely to fund the same trail again independently. However, we can apply the key learnings to future Koala Breeding Season and Vehicle Strike campaigns.